GBGC gets the green light

Construction on the multi-million Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre will commence during 2022/23 after receiving planning approval from the Palaszczuk Government.

Earlier this week, Planning Minister Steven Miles approved the state-of-the-art venue, which will serve as the new home of Queensland greyhound racing, and is expected to generate almost 500 full-time jobs during construction.

Situated just south of Ipswich, GBGC will feature three tracks - a straight track, a much-needed one-turn track and a two-turn track – and will be beamed to more than 60 nations across the world via Sky Racing.

The Racing Infrastructure Fund will contribute $39.15 million to help fund the project.

Racing Minister Grace Grace said greyhound safety will be the number one priority for GBGC's design and construction.

“This facility will create 477 good jobs for Queenslanders during construction and contribute significantly to the great lifestyle of the local area,” Ms Grace said.

“The GBGC will feature three tracks – a straight track, a one-turn track and a two-turn track – with the health and safety of greyhounds at the heart of design and construction.

“Racing Queensland is engaging with experts in track design and injury prevention in order to build a Centre that is as safe for dogs and trainers as possible.

“Design features like appropriate radius and surface banking, air-conditioned kennels and world-class racing surfaces will be incorporated to achieve this.

“There will also be a veterinarian clinic on-site to provide quality care for greyhounds.

“Racing at the Centre will be broadcast to 60 nations around the world, putting the industry in Queensland on show to a global audience.

“The community will also benefit from the construction of a multipurpose function centre that will be incorporated in the Centre’s design.”

The racing amenities to be built at the world-class venue include:

• Construction of a large one-turn track, two-turn track and straight track;
• Track safety benefits including radius and surface banking to be designed in a way to reduce excessive limb forces acting on greyhounds while racing;
• World-class racing surfaces;
• Starting box positioning – including roll on boxes were best suited - which reduces racing interference and supports race safety;
• Starting box design incorporating optimum spacing between contestants and grille heights;
• Grandstand and customer facilities ensuring gold standard customer experience and viewing of all three tracks; and
• Air-conditioned, sound-attenuated kennels with best practice pre and post racing support services.

RQ Chairman Steve Wilson AM said the project would redefine greyhound racing in the Sunshine State.

“The approval of the GBGC is a momentous occasion for the greyhound code,” Mr Wilson said.

“Not only will we deliver a state-of-the-art racing complex, but we will provide an invaluable community asset.

“GBGC is a once-in-a-generation project and we look forward to delivering a local amenity that will be enjoyed for decades to come.

With a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation now received, RQ will soon issue a tender for civil earthworks at the site and will continue to advance detailed design.

Racing at the venue is expected to commence in 2024.

Greyhound racing contributes more than $170 million to the combined economies of Brisbane and Ipswich each year, supporting almost 1,200 full-time jobs.

Click here for further information on the Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre.